Short Summary

As 10,000 high school and college students marched through Paris on Thursday (22 April) to protest at proposed educational reforms, one demonstration ended in violence.

Description

As 10,000 high school and college students marched through Paris on Thursday (22 April) to protest at proposed educational reforms, one demonstration ended in violence.

The violence came after most of the students from one demonstration had peacefully dispersed. A small group of what the police called 'anarchists' ran in to the Gare de I'Est station and started to throw stones at the riot police. The demonstrators were followed into the station by the police and scuffles followed as arrests were made.

The earlier demonstration had been noisy but peaceful as the students chanted slogans and passed lines of riot police. Another group marched from the Arc de Triomphe carrying anti-Giscard d'Estaing banners and condemning the government education reforms. But their behaviour was restrained and the demonstration ended peacefully at the Place de L'Opera.

The major left-wing student union which has organised the past week of demonstrations claim that the government reforms will give industry an undue voice in running university affairs. Under the proposals, university courses will have to be more closely linked with the needs of industry.

The protesting students - who have been backed by their lecturers - have been warned of the consequences of their action by President Giscard d'Estaing. He added "there is no reason to withdraw the reforms. They will not be modified".

Another huge demonstration was called for Friday. It was planned as the climax to two days of protest meetings throughout France.